New Conference re-alignment thread

[Saulbadguy]

The old one has AIDS.

Anyways, Chip Brown from Orangebloods.com reports OU may apply to the Pac-12 by the end of the month.

Oklahoma will apply for membership to the Pac-12 before the end of the month, and Oklahoma State is expected to follow suit, a source close to OU's administration told Orangebloods.com.

Even though Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Friday the Pac-12 was not interested in expansion at this time, OU's board of regents is fed up with the instability in the Big 12, the source said.

The OU board of regents will meet within two weeks to formalize plans to apply for membership to the Pac-12, the source said.

Messages left Sunday night with OU athletic director Joe Castiglione and Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder were not immediately returned.

If OU follows through with what appears to be a unanimous sentiment on the seven-member Oklahoma board of regents to leave the Big 12, realignment in college athletics could be heating back up. OU's application would be matched by an application from Oklahoma State, the source said, even though OSU president Burns Hargis and mega-booster Boone Pickens both voiced their support for the Big 12 last Thursday.

There is differing sentiment about if the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors are ready to expand again after bringing in Colorado and Utah last year and landing $3 billion TV contracts from Fox and ESPN. Colorado president Bruce Benson told reporters last week CU would be opposed to any expansion that might bring about east and west divisions in the Pac-12.

Currently, there are north and south divisions in the Pac-12. If OU and OSU were to join, Larry Scott would have to get creative.

Scott's orginal plan last summer was to bring in Colorado, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and put them in an eastern division with Arizona and Arizona State. The old Pac-8 schools (USC, UCLA, Cal, Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State) were to be in the west division.

Colorado made the move in June 2010, but when Texas A&M was not on board to go west, the Big 12 came back together with the help of its television partners (ABC/ESPN and Fox).

If Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were accepted into the Pac-12, there would undoubtedly be a hope by Larry Scott that Texas would join the league. But Texas sources have indicated UT is determined to hang onto the Longhorn Network, which would not be permissible in the Pac-12 in its current form.

Texas sources continue to indicate to Orangebloods.com that if the Big 12 falls apart, the Longhorns would consider "all options."

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe held an emergency conference call 10 days ago with league presidents excluding Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M and asked the other league presidents to "work on Texas" because Beebe didn't think the Pac-12 would take Oklahoma without Texas.

Now, it appears OU is willing to take its chances with the Pac-12 with or without Texas.

There seemed to be a temporary pause in any possible shifting of the college athletics' landscape when Baylor led a charge to tie up Texas A&M's move to the Southeastern Conference in legal red tape. BU refused to waive its right to sue the SEC over A&M's departure from the Big 12, and the SEC said it would not admit Texas A&M until it had been cleared of any potential lawsuits.

Baylor, Kansas and Iowa State have indicated they will not waive their right to sue the SEC.

It's unclear if an application by OU to the Pac-12 would draw the same threats of litigation against the Pac-12 from those Big 12 schools.

Stay tuned.

[KcMizzou]

Mostly unrelated... What's with West Virginia and the couch burning?

As everyone knows, West Virginia fans have an impressive history of lighting things on fire – win or lose – and city officials are taking preemptive steps so that Morgantown doesn’t burn this weekend.

" City officials will remove furniture and other flammable items from porches and lawns this week in an effort to combat celebratory fires following the nationally televised football game this weekend.

The abatement effort, which covers much of downtown Morgantown and will be effective Thursday through Monday, requires that residents remove any furniture, construction materials, debris and other combustible materials from porches, balconies or lawns."

West Virginia, ya’ll.

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011...inia-lsu-game/

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by BWillie007

The Jayhawk Network is worth 7.3 million a year. All going to the University of Kansas. But doesn't really have the potential to be HUGE like the LHN. Guess basketball can make some money

I don't really get this HUGE potential. They are not notre dame. The market for the LHN ends at the state line. Almost no one outside of Texas wants the LHN, and its not like everyone in the state is scrambling for it to the point where they can demand ESPN money out of the cable providers.

[BWillie]

Pretty sure it's going to be hard for West Virginia to get into the Big 12 if they want to since they rely on partial qualifiers.

[KcMizzou]

It's all about Texas.

Time For Texas To Own It
September 22, 2011 11:35 pm, UTC

By: C.T. Steckel

Longhorn Network Causing A Blackout Across College Athletics

A wise man once said the key to life is to simply “know who you are.” Be bold, live with integrity, and accept the consequences. Life also weeds out the pretenders; those trying to fake it and make it always get exposed. Since the beginning of college athletics, the University of Texas has been a virtual superpower, a force so strong when it comes to winning championships and creating an environment of financial success, that others simply can’t compete.

Even now, after trying to hold it’s own for more then a century, it’s biggest rival realizes it’s time to chuck and run. So while Texas A&M is off to what they believe will be greener pastures in the SEC, the truth of the matter is easy to cut… the real green is flowing in to Austin on a pipeline directly from Bristol, Connecticut, known as the Longhorn Network.

Let’s be clear about one thing – this is America and capitalism reigns. So for those of you (and me) who would love to find a thousand reasons to blame Texas for the chaos that has ensued resulting in major conference realignment, leave your jealousy at the door. When ESPN squashed a deal between Fox Sports and Texas to the tune of $300 million dollars over 20-years to form the Longhorn Network, it signaled the beginning of the end, at least for the Aggies and the original Big 12.

The major issue here isn’t that tradition and history are being thrown out the window, even though purist like myself are still crying ourselves to sleep in the fetal position. The problem is that Texas refuses to admit its role in the entire process. They’re the Big Bad Wolf, and yet in the mirror they see Miss Red Riding Hood, and it’s time to own up to blowing down the house.

For $300 million you can understand why Texas is fighting to keep the LHN.

“I don’t think our network is in play,” Texas’ athletic director DeLoss Dodds said Wednesday. “Our network is our network. Anybody can do one.” It gets better… “If somebody thinks something is wrong with our network, and thinks it’s hurting the conference, we would absolutely address it.”

I respect Dodds as much as anybody for the athletic program he’s helped to build in burnt orange, but those words aren’t fooling anybody. Even this General Studies major.

Consider the fact that the Pac-12, with it’s new billion dollar TV deal and recent expansion, ultimately voted not to include Texas and Oklahoma (and their step-sisters Texas Tech and Oklahoma State) because its after a “culture of equality.” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said the league’s equanimity would have been jeopardized with the inclusion of the four schools. Asked specifically if it had anything to do with the Longhorn Network, Scott said, “It became clear that wasn’t going to be able to fold into our structure in a way that’s comfortable with our members.”

For those of you who failed English in college, that means Texas had 300 million reasons not to give an inch at the bargaining table, and it’s laughing all the way to the bank.

The reality in 2011 on planet Earth is that only a few institutions of higher learning in the country can have their own TV Network. Notre Dame football was the first in a sense, and remains the only college football national showcase on NBC. Out in Utah, BYU has the money and capability to draw interest because of the Mormon faith, and it’s legion of constituents nationwide. However, most in America don’t know the Cougar’s network even exists. And what do Notre Dame and BYU have in common? Oh yeah, they’re independents in FBS college football, and Texas isn’t.

Potentially schools like USC, Ohio State or Florida could create their own television conglomerate, but not many others could. It’s all based upon success on the field, large markets within the existing fan base, and the ability to raise capital through advertising. So Dodds isn’t being genuine when he says, “anybody can have one.” Just drive across the Red River and ask Bob Stoops and Joe Castiglione, because right now, they don’t.

Texas isn’t going to give up the Longhorn Network, and one day they’ll make more than $300 million on the venture, despite the fact only 250,000 customers in Texas and nobody in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio or Austin could even tune into the launch. When DirecTV, Time Warner, AT&T U-Verse, Dish Network and Comcast don’t carry your signal… no one is watching.

So besides the distribution issues, the other major problem is that we all want what we can’t have, and when we don’t get it, jealousy and envy set in. Just ask A&M, OU, Missouri and Iowa State… although I can’t imagine a Cyclone Network anytime soon.

You’re taking your school to new heights, but please don’t deny you aren’t human DeLoss Dodds. You’ve always been an honest man. Know who you are.

http://www.holyturf.com/2011/09/time...xas-to-own-it/

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by BWillie007

How come Kentucky likes the SEC so much? What do they get out of getting their brains kicked in every year in the SEC football? They are a basketball school anyway. I know they aren't going anywhere, but just dreaming about a home and away in basketball would be ridiculous, then throw in Louisville in there.

$18 million reasons per year for Kentucky to stay with SEC football.

[notorious]

Sooooo, if Texass can't show away games or HS games, what in the hell can they show?


Am I going to have to purchase the stupid network if I want to watch anyone play at Texas? They are really going to cut down on their customer base if that is the case.


Texas: Underachieving AssClowns.

[Saulbadguy]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Mostly unrelated... What's with West Virginia and the couch burning?

They like to burn couches.

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by BWillie007

How come Kentucky likes the SEC so much? What do they get out of getting their brains kicked in every year in the SEC football? They are a basketball school anyway. I know they aren't going anywhere, but just dreaming about a home and away in basketball would be ridiculous, then throw in Louisville in there.

It's a mystery.

Rank School Revenue Expenses Profit
1 University of Texas (Football) $93,942,815 $25,112,331 $68,830,484
2 Univ. of Georgia (Football) $70,838,539 $18,308,654 $52,529,885
3 Penn State Univ. (Football) $70,208,584 $19,780,939 $50,427,645
4 Univ. of Michigan (Football) $63,189,417 $18,328,233 $44,861,184
5 Univ. of Florida (Football) $68,715,750 $24,457,557 $44,258,193
6 Louisiana State Univ. (Football) $68,819,806 $25,566,520 $43,253,286
7 Univ. of Alabama (Football) $71,884,525 $31,118,134 $40,766,391
8 Univ. of Tennessee (Football) $56,593,946 $17,357,345 $39,236,601
9 Auburn Univ. (Football) $66,162,720 $27,911,713 $38,251,007
10 University of Oklahoma (Football) $58,295,888 $20,150,769 $38,145,119
11 Univ. of South Carolina (Football) $58,266,159 $22,794,211 $35,471,948
12 Notre Dame (Football) $64,163,063 $29,490,788 $34,672,275
13 University of Nebraska (Football) $49,928,228 $17,843,849 $32,084,379
14 Ohio State Univ. (Football) $63,750,000 $31,763,036 $31,986,964
15 Univ. of Iowa (Football) $45,854,764 $18,468,732 $27,386,032
16 Michigan State Univ. (Football) $44,462,659 $17,468,458 $26,994,201
17 Univ. of Arkansas (Football) $48,524,244 $22,005,104 $26,519,140
18 Texas A&M (Football) $41,915,428 $16,599,798 $25,315,630
19 Univ. of Kentucky (Football) $31,890,572 $13,905,724 $17,984,848

71 Univ. of Kentucky (Basketball) $16,781,239 $11,573,283 $5,207,956

[Setsuna]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

Mostly unrelated... What's with West Virginia and the couch burning?



http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011...inia-lsu-game/

It won't matter because they won't win. They are going to get rick rolled. And they will never come to the SEC because they aren't worthy.

[HolyHandgernade]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

If I get this right, you're saying and kiss Bevo's ass.

It's all good as long as Texas gets everything it wants.

No, I'm saying instead of obsessing so much on Texas, the conference as a whole should focus on goals it can work towards together. Your response exemplifies my point. You want to focus on what someone else has and use that as the excuse for all that ails you. With that mentality, its impossible for you to look at common goals and focus on those. Your misplaced focus is not the fault of someone else, yet you use that as the excuse to not have to try.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

It's a mystery.

Rank School Revenue Expenses Profit
1 University of Texas (Football) $93,942,815 $25,112,331 $68,830,484
2 Univ. of Georgia (Football) $70,838,539 $18,308,654 $52,529,885
3 Penn State Univ. (Football) $70,208,584 $19,780,939 $50,427,645
4 Univ. of Michigan (Football) $63,189,417 $18,328,233 $44,861,184
5 Univ. of Florida (Football) $68,715,750 $24,457,557 $44,258,193
6 Louisiana State Univ. (Football) $68,819,806 $25,566,520 $43,253,286
7 Univ. of Alabama (Football) $71,884,525 $31,118,134 $40,766,391
8 Univ. of Tennessee (Football) $56,593,946 $17,357,345 $39,236,601
9 Auburn Univ. (Football) $66,162,720 $27,911,713 $38,251,007
10 University of Oklahoma (Football) $58,295,888 $20,150,769 $38,145,119
11 Univ. of South Carolina (Football) $58,266,159 $22,794,211 $35,471,948
12 Notre Dame (Football) $64,163,063 $29,490,788 $34,672,275
13 University of Nebraska (Football) $49,928,228 $17,843,849 $32,084,379
14 Ohio State Univ. (Football) $63,750,000 $31,763,036 $31,986,964
15 Univ. of Iowa (Football) $45,854,764 $18,468,732 $27,386,032
16 Michigan State Univ. (Football) $44,462,659 $17,468,458 $26,994,201
17 Univ. of Arkansas (Football) $48,524,244 $22,005,104 $26,519,140
18 Texas A&M (Football) $41,915,428 $16,599,798 $25,315,630
19 Univ. of Kentucky (Football) $31,890,572 $13,905,724 $17,984,848

71 Univ. of Kentucky (Basketball) $16,781,239 $11,573,283 $5,207,956

Well, duh. I realize the money and if they went to a different conference they would lose a little bit. They wouldn't be poor though if they went to the ACC or Big 12 though. Just too may traditional rivalries for them to leave and obviously the $. If they came to the Big 12 though they could start their own network and get tier 3 money.

BTW, where did you get that list? Crazy to think that Iowa's football team is virtually as profitable as Ohio States.

[HolyHandgernade]

Consider the fact that the Pac-12, with it’s new billion dollar TV deal and recent expansion, ultimately voted not to include Texas and Oklahoma (and their step-sisters Texas Tech and Oklahoma State) because its after a “culture of equality.” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said the league’s equanimity would have been jeopardized with the inclusion of the four schools. Asked specifically if it had anything to do with the Longhorn Network, Scott said, “It became clear that wasn’t going to be able to fold into our structure in a way that’s comfortable with our members.”

Let's get something strait, the PAC-12 didn't vote to "not include Texas and Oklahoma", it voted not to expand. It would very much like Texas, it just doesn't want them with their own LHN. Texas was just as not interested in joining the PAC-12 without their LHN. So, implying this was a one sided affair that Texas was actively pursuing isn't accurate. Oklahoma tried to bluff its power, and when Texas said it wasn't coming with the Sooners without its LHN, the PAC-12 wasn't interested in the Sooners (and Cowboys) any longer. Let's also not forget a big factor in all this was Texas Tech, and to a lesser extent, OSU. The PAC wanted Texas, OU, KU and MU and might have settled for Texas, OU, OSU and either KU or MU. There's much more at play here than the article's intention.

The reality in 2011 on planet Earth is that only a few institutions of higher learning in the country can have their own TV Network. Notre Dame football was the first in a sense, and remains the only college football national showcase on NBC. Out in Utah, BYU has the money and capability to draw interest because of the Mormon faith, and it’s legion of constituents nationwide. However, most in America don’t know the Cougar’s network even exists. And what do Notre Dame and BYU have in common? Oh yeah, they’re independents in FBS college football, and Texas isn’t.

Potentially schools like USC, Ohio State or Florida could create their own television conglomerate, but not many others could. It’s all based upon success on the field, large markets within the existing fan base, and the ability to raise capital through advertising. So Dodds isn’t being genuine when he says, “anybody can have one.” Just drive across the Red River and ask Bob Stoops and Joe Castiglione, because right now, they don’t.

But, the reality is also that nothing about the Big XII setup indicates that a network must be a single school entity. There's absolutely no reason the remaining schools couldn't form a network. There's no reason the old Big 8 schools couldn't form a network. There's no reason ISU, MU, KU and KSU couldn't form a network. The truth is, everyone else is jealous because Texas is big enough to not have to include anyone else. Why let jealousy be the self limitation other schools could place in cooperation?

Texas doesn't view this network as a "sports only" venue for them. I know that is the aspect that gets promoted the most, but there are other reasons Texas doesn't want to part with it. Quit focusing on the stupid LHN, its the focus that is creating the acrimony, not the network itself. Even the article points out that very few households outside of Texas are actually going to get it, let alone watch it. If there is an actual competitive disadvantage regarding an aspect of it, fine, let's address that, but everything else is envy.

[beer bacon]

I think it is great Texas got rejected by the PAC.

[Infidel Goat]

If I were the Pac-12 and thought future expansion was the best idea, I'd probably go ahead and offer to KU and MU.

After that, I'd give UT and OU a chance to join. If they say no, I'd go to BYU and possibly Boise State.

NO OSU. No Texas Tech. No LHN. No KSU. Sorry, but if I'm the Pac-12, I'm splitting people up...

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by Infidel Goat

If I were the Pac-12 and thought future expansion was the best idea, I'd probably go ahead and offer to KU and MU.

After that, I'd give UT and OU a chance to join. If they say no, I'd go to BYU and possibly Boise State.

NO OSU. No Texas Tech. No LHN. No KSU. Sorry, but if I'm the Pac-12, I'm splitting people up...

Of course you would.